AIDS control staff to hold statewide protests over demands from March 6

The Punjab AIDS Control Employees Welfare Association (PACEWA) has announced a series of protests across the state this month, citing grievances related to regularisation of contractual staff, salary delays and misuse of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) funds. The employees, who are the backbone of state’s HIV/AIDS control programmes, have accused the government of systemic exploitation, mismanagement and outright neglect, leading to both financial insecurity for the staff and dire consequences for HIV patients.

The demonstrations across various districts will begin from March 6, followed by a large-scale protest outside the residence of Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh in Patiala on March 16. PACEWA leaders have warned that if their demands were not accepted, the agitation may escalate into indefinite strikes, potentially disrupting vital healthcare services for HIV/AIDS patients across the state.

On March 6, PACEWA will conduct a two-hour protest in various districts of the state. Employees will submit memoranda to their respective civil surgeons and deputy commissioners, outlining their key demands and seeking urgent government intervention.

On March 16, a large-scale protest is planned outside the Health Minister’s residence in Patiala to demand immediate action on regularisation of employees, salary revision and the restoration of employee benefits. The association hopes to directly engage with the minister to highlight their worsening working conditions.

Key issues, demands

Regularisation of employees: PACEWA has long demanded that contractual employees, many of whom have served for over two decades, should be regularised. Despite promises from government officials, including Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in 2024, no formal steps have been taken to regularise the staff.

Salary delays, anomalies: Employees have faced repeated delays in salary payments, sometimes waiting months without pay. Salary structures are inconsistent, with workers performing identical roles receiving different wages. The last salary revision was done over a decade ago, with no subsequent adjustments to account for inflation. PACEWA is demanding a 20 per cent salary hike, in line with Delhi’s pay scale for similar positions.

Withdrawal of benefits: The Punjab AIDS Control Society has removed essential benefits such as half-day casual leave and shift-based allowances. Employees are often forced to work beyond their stipulated hours without overtime compensation. The association is demanding the reinstatement of these benefits to ensure better work-life balance and fair treatment.

Shortage of HIV testing kits, medicine leading to patient deaths: There has been a severe shortfall of HIV testing kits and essential medicines, hampering early detection and treatment. Reports indicate that several HIV-positive patients have lost their lives due to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Employees argue that the government’s failure to provide resources is directly endangering lives and undermining the fight against HIV.

Exploitation and harassment at workplace: Contractual employees have reported instances of workplace harassment and verbal abuse by senior officials. Many of them claim they had been pressured to work without proper contracts or timely renewals, leaving them in a constant state of job insecurity. PACEWA is demanding a formal probe into such complaints and strict action against those responsible for mistreating the staff.